David Shepherd: Cricket fans will remember this late umpire for his on-field antics and especially his trademark wave to signal a four and of course. He even had a famous one-legged hop which he performed everytime the score reached the unlucky Nelson (111) or a multiple of that! Shep stood in 92 tests and 172 ODIs in a career than spanned three decades.

Unfortunately, this umpire, who stood in three World Cup finals passed away in October 2009—just four years after bidding adieu to the game he loved!

Dickie Bird: This lovable umpire was adored and respected by players and fans everywhere. After retiring from first-class cricket, Bird took a few years before resurfacing as an umpire. His 24-year-long journey in the middle began in 1973 and it saw him officiate 66 tests and 69 ODIS.

In 1996, he also became the first circket umpire to be prominently featured in a TV commercial when he modelled for the Pepsi "Nothing official about it" campaign. For his contribution to cricket, he was even appointed a 'Member of the Order of the British Empire!'

Steve Bucknor: While Indian fans unanimously hate him, Steve Bucknor was in fact one of the best umpires in world cricket—at least until he lost the plot during that eventful India-Australia test series in 2008, that is! The calm Jamaican was nicknamed 'Slow Death' for taking his time in raising the fateful finger to adjudge a batsman out!

For most of his 20-year career, Bucknor was the most accurate in the business. As a result he officiated a record of five World Cup finals! However, due to increasing pressure—and a host of bad on-field decisions—he was forced to call it quits in 2009.

Srinivasaraghavan Venkataraghavan: While he was one of the most prolific spinners in his heyday, Venkataraghavan became even more popular as an umpire after his retirement. This former India captain stood in 73 tests and 52 ODIs during an 11-year career.

He was one of the first umpires to be included in the ICC Elite Panel back in 2002. Venkat finally retired in 2004, after quite an illustrious umpiring career that saw him make several great calls in the middle.

Darrell Hair: This controversial Aussie umpire is legendary for all the wrong reasons. Still, we felt he deserves a mention on this list for his contributions in making the game controversial! From the infamous Muralitharan chucking scandal to the Pakistani ball-tampering fiasco, Hair was responsible for some of the most audacious, shameful and at times, laughable decisions ever made on a cricket field! It's a real surprise that he managed to hang on to his job for 16 years and officiate a staggering 78 tests and 135 ODIs.

Dickie Bird: This lovable umpire was adored and respected by players and fans everywhere. After retiring from first-class cricket, Bird took a few years before resurfacing as an umpire. His 24-year-long journey in the middle began in 1973 and it saw him officiate 66 tests and 69 ODIS.

In 1996, he also became the first circket umpire to be prominently featured in a TV commercial when he modelled for the Pepsi "Nothing official about it" campaign. For his contribution to cricket, he was even appointed a 'Member of the Order of the British Empire!'